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An insurgent army in northern Myanmar publicly executed five convicted criminals, including a Chinese citizen, residents told Radio Free Asia on Friday.
The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army, or MNDAA, is one of Shan state’s largest ethnic organizations. It has been fighting for territory since a military junta took power in a 2021 coup, and has largely administered its own justice in the territory, occasionally publicly executing criminals.
“One Chinese and four Burmese were shot at the airport, all five were given the death sentence,” said a Lashio resident, declining to be named for security reasons. “Another Myanmar citizen was sentenced to life in prison and the other Chinese man was also given a life sentence.”
Another Myanmar citizen was sentenced to death, but his execution has been suspended for two years, the resident said.
The group was arrested in 2023 on charges of murder, rape, robbery and burglary, residents said. All are between 30 and 60 years old and from Lashio and Hsenwi in Shan state and Mandalay region’s Mogok town.
According to the MNDAA’s legal system, the public is invited to witness executions.
The MNDAA has not released any information on whether the accused were given lawyers. RFA contacted the MNDAA’s communications official for more information, but there was no response.
Amidst frequent clashes, airstrikes, an increase in crime and a shortage of qualified personnel, several ethnic insurgent organizations have struggled to conduct court proceedings during the ongoing civil war. In Lashio, persistent airstrikes and a declining economy have led to looting of local businesses and homes.
On Dec. 5, the MNDAA accused 14 people in Laukkaing town of criminal charges, including murder, executing six of them.
Translated by Kiana Duncan. Edited by Mike Firn and Stephen Wright.